Darlene Dirks

TOLEDO-In Loving Memory of

Darlene King Dirks

March 22, 1928-November 26, 2025

Vaya con Dios, my darling

Vaya con Dios, my love

Darlene Inez King Dirks, age 97, passed away on Nov. 26, 2025, embraced by her husband of 74 years and the love of family and friends near and far. A private family service will be held to honor Darlene’s life. The family appreciates your thoughts and prayers during this time.

A long-time resident of Toledo, Iowa, Darlene was born on March 22, 1928, in Sioux City, Iowa, the daughter of William and Martha (Gorseth) King. After graduating from Central High School in 1946, she left home to study nursing at the University of Iowa, where she received a Registered Nurse (RN) designation in 1949. While in Iowa City, she met an X-ray technician named Harlan James Dirks of Grundy Center, Iowa. They married on Sept. 23, 1951, and had four children.

Darlene served as a nurse at the University of Iowa Hospitals, Grundy Center Hospital, Grandview Acres and Tama County Public Health. She was a charter member of the Toledo Ambulance Service, where she worked as an EMT and taught CPR classes.

While raising her children, Darlene took on roles as a Blue Bird leader, Cub Scouts den mother, youth group leader and bible school teacher. She was an elder of the First Presbyterian Church of Toledo and a member of the Order of the Eastern Star.

In retirement, Darlene and Harlan traveled by both plane and RV, visiting many locations, with Norway and the Pacific Northwest as favorite destinations.

Darlene loved to sing, read mysteries and play cards, playing Bridge with friends and beating her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren at Pepper during family gatherings. She also enjoyed baking, sewing and crafting – and tried to pass these skills along to the next generation, with varying degrees of success.

Darlene will be remembered for her strength, will and quick wit. Her family rests easy knowing that all the dogs she loved greeted her in heaven – and that she’s laughing again with her beloved sister, Jeri.

Darlene is survived by her husband, Harlan; her children, Valerie (Nathan) Behounek, Susan Harrison (Mike Roeder), Sandra Dirks, and David (Ardella) Dirks; her grandchildren, Carie Behounek, Jacob (Amy) Behounek, Sarah (Aaron) Kassen, Shelby (Ryan) Speicher, Todd Dirks (Haley Proenza), Kyle Dirks (Ryan Gruber), and Ryan Dirks (Natasha Ribby); her great-grandchildren, Brendon Ribby, Navaeh Mathes, Juliet Sherman, Jake and Kayla Dirks, and Riley (Jose) Fragoso; her great-great-grandchildren, Noah and Alecia Fragoso; her special niece, Lori (Steve) SchraderBacher; and her great-nephew and great-niece, JJ and Naomi SchraderBacher, and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her siblings, Naomi, Billy, Ernest, Dickie, Donnie, Chuck, twins Josephine and Patricia, and Geraldine (Jack) Schrader; son-in-law, Doug Harrison; and great-grandchild, DJ Kahley.

The family wishes to thank Angie and the staff of Iowa River Hospice for their support. Donations in Darlene’s name can be made to Iowa River Hospice, 502 Plaza Heights Road, Marshalltown, Iowa, 50158.

Kruse-Phillips Funeral Home, Tama-Toledo, is assisting the family with arrangements.